University launches a Case for Support to Donors in London

On Thursday 14 May, staff from each faculty joined the Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift and Chancellor Richard Lambert in BT Tower in London to announce Warwick’s plans for a £50 million fundraising campaign in support of the University’s ambitious strategy.

Professor Nigel Thrift spoke about the importance of philanthropy to Warwick over the years, referring to the £2.9 million raised in the 1960s through the University’s Foundation appeal (over £30 million at today’s prices) and the generous support of local resident Helen Martin, the University’s first significant benefactor, which funded the development of the Warwick Arts Centre.

He said: “Warwick’s impressive trajectory has only been possible with generous support from individual donors, charities and foundations. To realise our ambitions for the future we intend to revitalise relationships with existing supporters as well as reach out to new partners in the UK and around the world.

The campaign was launched at the top of the BT Tower, one of London’s tallest and most iconic buildings. Ian Rowley, Director of Development, Communication and Strategy said: “Our case for support communicates the global impact Warwick will make through implementing its Vision 2015 strategy and BT Tower provided a perfect backdrop.

"Opened in 1965, the year the University was founded, both provide the UK with modern gateways to communities around the world. BT Tower has not been open to the public for many years and the University is extremely grateful to Phil Moses, BT executive and a Warwick graduate, for hosting last night’s launch”.

A published case for support sets out five key themes where the University hopes to enlist the support of donors. Many academic departments are already working closely with the Development Office and it is hoped that many more will be part of a single University campaign in the years ahead.

In conclusion, Professor Thrift commented “to some it might seem counter intuitive to launch a fundraising campaign amidst the most severe economic downturn for decades. I take a different view. I firmly believe that investment in talent, education and new thinking is all the more important at this time and we must all ensure that Warwick is best placed to capitalise on, and contribute to, the economic recovery when it comes.”